
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Dorcus musimon
A small glossy Dorcus of Corsica, Sardinia and North Africa. Males are 19-28mm in the literature (captive record over 36mm) and bear a protuberance near the mandible base. Prefers slightly humid conditions.
The Musimon stag beetle (Dorcus musimon) is a small Dorcus of the Mediterranean islands of Corsica and Sardinia and of North Africa, described by Gene in 1836. It is absent from mainland Italy, where the related Dorcus parallelipipedus fills the same niche. Males measure 19-28mm and females 18-23mm, making it a small member of the subgenus. The body is glossy; males show weak longitudinal ridges on the elytra and females clearer striae. Large males have a distinctive protuberance near the base of the mandibles, which carry a double row of inner teeth, and both sexes have supraocular projections. Larvae favour slightly humid conditions, and in nature the species is scarce because the larger D. parallelipipedus outcompetes it. Rearing follows D. hopei, with larvae on fermented substrate or rotten wood. Room temperature works, but keep summers below 30C; activity slows under 18C. The BE-KUWA 2025 captive record is 36.2mm (2009), far above the wild maximum of 24.3mm. It is uncommon in Japan, where captive-bred stock labelled Sardinia or Corsica predominates.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Musimon Stag Beetle lives Adults 1-3 years.
The Musimon Stag Beetle grows to Males 19-28mm, females 18-23mm (captive record 36.2mm).
The ideal temperature for the Musimon Stag Beetle is 18℃.
Origin
Corsica, Sardinia, North Africa
Sources: Beetle Farm: keeping adult Dorcus / Beetle Farm: rearing Q&A / Wikipedia (Dorcus musimon, ja)
Captive record (♂)
36.2 mm
Wild record (♂)
24.3 mm
Record source: BE-KUWA 2025 edition (Dorcus musimon, captive 36.2 mm, 松井誠 2009; wild max 24.3 mm)
Notable localities
Generation codes
Sources: BE-KUWA rearing records (2025 edition, Mushi-sha) / Wikipedia (Dorcus musimon, ja)
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Dorcus musimon Gené, 1836
Authority databases: GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / MOE Japan: import of Scarabaeoidea beetles
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Lifespan
Adults 1-3 years
Size
Males 19-28mm, females 18-23mm (captive record 36.2mm)
Temperature
18℃
Humidity
60〜80%
Beetle jelly; larvae on fermented substrate or rotten wood
Room temperature works. Keep summers below 30C; activity slows under 18C. Larvae prefer slightly humid conditions.
Eggs are laid in fermented substrate or rotten wood. Being small, rear larvae individually in small containers.
House each sex singly and cohabit only for pairing.
No species-specific source for lifespan or larval period. As is usual in Dorcus, adults live several years.
Watch for drying and food shortage. Do not mix localities (Sardinia, Corsica).
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for Musimon Stag Beetle is 18℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Musimon Stag Beetle is Adults 1-3 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Musimon Stag Beetle typically reaches Males 19-28mm, females 18-23mm (captive record 36.2mm) as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Musimon Stag Beetle feeds on: Beetle jelly; larvae on fermented substrate or rotten wood. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Musimon Stag Beetle varies significantly depending on bloodline, size, captive-bred generation, and sex. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 17, 2026